Backcountry bear elevation questions

[TRD1911]

So, I decided to do a backcountry bear hunt this year to kick off the season. I'm treating it as a bear hunt / scouting trip for high-buck next year when a buddy comes out to visit. I've never hunted the wilderness areas so I'm not really sure what to expect. The area (without getting into too many specifics of course) is between 3800 and 5000ft with two small water sources and high-angle pastures leading to sheer rock face peaks. I used to do a lot of hiking before I got into hunting but cannot recall seeing much game at that elevation. What are your thoughts on the elevation? If you want to PM that works too. Thanks for the help

[aaronoto]

Find the berries, find the bears.  We shot two last year at just under 6,000 feet in early September and early October.  Trips in August didn't yield any sightings, but the berries weren't really out yet then either.   

[jasnt]

  many of my bear have been taken in the high country.  Find the berries and find the bears.

[TRD1911]

Thanks for the input guys. Heres to hoping for a few isolated berry patches and a whole lotta luck.

[7mmfan]

That's the key as they've stated. They're very focused on berries in near future, and most of the time the berries aren't really in yet at that elevation at the beginning of August. You might find some isolated patches, but I wouldn't count on a bunch. You should see some deer though!

[JimmyHoffa]

Where I usually go (for start of August at that elevation) it seems the thimbleberries and salmonberries are more of their favorite.  The huckleberries tend to be kind of spread out, especially the ripe ones. 

[Molon5labe]

I wont be looking for bear that high up tomorrow. The berries just aren't there yet. I will be looking low where the berries will be starting to pop and where its cooler given how hot it has been. That's not to say there aren't any bears up there tho

[TRD1911]

What is the highest reasonable elevation you guys would be looking at this time of year for decent berry supply? I've got plenty of low elevation locations lined up that I've hunted with success in the past but, to be honest, I'm getting really bored with walking roads and going clear cut to clearcut (hence the backcountry angle this year).

[jasnt]

Depends on the year.  I just keep going till I find the best berries and the most sign

[yakimanoob]

Depends on the year.  I just keep going till I find the best berries and the most sign

  Solid advice. Bears leave tons of sign.  If you don't see it, it's time to burn some boot leather. 

[jasnt]

Contrary to popular belief there isn’t more critters in the back country, just less people

[TRD1911]

Contrary to popular belief there isn’t more critters in the back country, just less people

Very true. Just looking to grow and learn a bit more with backcountry hunting. There is high concentrations of bears in the spots that I usually hunt but the challenge and fun just isnt there as much as it used to be. Maybe after I get skunked on this next endeavor that mindset will revert, ha!

[jasnt]

Contrary to popular belief there isn’t more critters in the back country, just less people

Very true. Just looking to grow and learn a bit more with backcountry hunting. There is high concentrations of bears in the spots that I usually hunt but the challenge and fun just isnt there as much as it used to be. Maybe after I get skunked on this next endeavor that mindset will revert, ha!

i prefer back country hunting myself but Mainly nley due to the less people aspect

[TRD1911]

Wish I had a good update for this thread but couldn't make it to the spot that I wanted to go (or plan B). The fire out by Hamma Hamm ( The Maple Fire) has forced almost all the NF Forest roads in the area so I've been hunting low public land around Cushman. 3 days, 1 bear and a bad sunburn. one more day left but I'm ready to call it already. Hopefully they get the blaze under control soon

[TRD1911]

Wish I had a good update for this thread but couldn't make it to the spot that I wanted to go (or plan B). The fire out by Hamma Hamma ( The Maple Fire) has forced almost all the NF Forest roads in the area so I've been hunting low public land around Cushman. 3 days, 1 bear and a bad sunburn. one more day left but I'm ready to call it already. Hopefully they get the blaze under control soon